ARCHIVED QSG - JAN 08, 2006
USPS Homepage Skip navigation    USPS Home | Postal Explorer Home


Quick Service Guide 705b
Special Standards
Pallets, Pallet Boxes, and Trays on Pallets

January 2006
Printer-Friendly PDF

 

General (705.8.1)

Pallets are plastic or wooden platforms upon which mail (trays, sacks, bundles, or parcels) is stacked.

The Postal Service supplies pallets to mailers.

 

Dimensions (705.8)

Pallets measure approximately 40" x 48".

Height:

  • Maximum height, single pallet: 77" (pallet + mail + top cap). Some Parcel Post discounts have different height requirements. See individual QSGs.
  • Maximum height, stacked pallets: 84" (pallets + mail + top caps).

Weight:

  • Minimum load: 36 linear feet of letter trays or 3 full levels of trays. For bundles (flats), parcels, or sacks, 250 pounds. Trays on pallets and some Parcel Post discounts do not have minimum weight requirements. See 705.8.5.3 for exception to the minimum weight.
  • Maximum weight: 2,200 pounds (pallet(s) + mail + top cap(s)).

 

Labels (705.8.6)

Pallets are labeled according to content and destination of the mail.

At least two clearly visible labels must be affixed to two adjacent sides of each pallet.

Use pink labels for Periodicals or white labels for Standard Mail and Package Services.

Labels must be at least 8" x 11"; lettering for required information must be at least 1/2" high.

 

Top Caps (705.8.2)

Top caps may be used on any pallet. They must be used on stacked pallets when individual pallets do not have a sturdy, flat top surface. Top caps must be strapped or stretchwrapped onto the pallet. Mailers must supply their own top caps.

 

Strapping and Stretchwrap (705.8.1.3)

Each pallet must be secured with at least two straps or bands or be wrapped with plastic stretchwrap (or both). Stretchwrap must be wrapped completely over the lip of the pallet.

Stretchwrap is preferred for most pallets.

 

Stacking Pallets (705.8.3)

Pallets may be stacked to a maximum of four high or 84". Individual pallets must be strapped or stretchwrapped (or both); the entire pallet stack must be securely banded (not stretchwrapped). The heaviest pallet must be on the bottom of the stack; the lightest pallet must be on the top. There must be enough space between pallets to allow for a forklift.

 

Measuring a Pallet

Measuring points on a pallet are shown on reverse.

How a pallet is measured is determined by the type of container (e.g., trays vs. sacks) and the type of discount. See individual Quick Service Guides.

For the specific DMM standards applicable to this category of mail, consult the DMM sections referenced above and the general sections within each DMM module.

 

Pallet Measurements 

 

This graphic shows the points to the measuring of a pallet.

 

Pallet Components 

This graphic shows the components of a pallet.

 

 

Stacked

This graphic shows how to stack a pallet.

 

 

General (705.8.4)

A pallet box is a sturdy corrugated fiberboard box placed on a pallet.

Pallet boxes may be filled with sacks or parcels (machinable or nonmachinable or both depending on rate category). Mailers must supply their own pallet boxes, which must meet the requirements in 705.8.4.

 

Dimensions (705.8.4)

Pallet Box (without pallet)
Base: 40" x 48"
Height:

  • For Parcel Post DSCF and DDU: not greater than 60 inches.
  • For Parcel Post OBMC Presort and BMC Presort: must equal 69 inches.

Pallet Box with Pallet
Height:

  • Maximum height, single pallet: 77" (pallet + pallet box + top cap).
  • Maximum height, stacked pallets: 84" (pallets + pallet boxes + top caps).

The contents may not stick up over the rim of the pallet box.

Weight:

  • Minimum weight: 250 pounds. See 705.8.3 for exception to minimum weight. Some Parcel Post rates and discounts have different minimum load requirements. See 705.8.11.
  • Maximum weight: 2,200 pounds (pallet(s) + pallet box(es) + mail + top cap(s)).

 

Labels (705.8.6)

Pallet boxes are labeled according to content and destination of the mail. See individual QSGs.

At least two clearly visible labels must be affixed to two adjacent sides of each pallet box.

Use pink labels for Periodicals and white labels for Standard Mail and Package Services.

 

Top Caps (705.8.2)

Top caps are not required on single pallet boxes; they are required on stacked pallet boxes. Top caps must be securely fastened onto the pallet box and pallet.

 

Strapping and Stretchwrap (705.8.4)

Each pallet box must be securely strapped or stretchwrapped (or both) to its pallet for safe transport (except when the pallet is accepted at the postal facility where the contents are distributed and the weight of the mail in the box will hold the box in place during transport and processing).

 

Stacking Pallets of Pallet Boxes (705.8.3)

Pallet boxes may be stacked to a maximum of four high or 84". Individual pallets must be strapped or stretchwrapped (or both); the entire pallet stack must be securely banded (not stretchwrapped). There must be enough space between pallets to allow for a forklift.

 

Measuring a Pallet Box

Measuring points on a pallet box are included in "Pallet Measurements." See individual QSGs for how to measure mail for specific discounts.

 

A Pallet Box

This graphic shows a pallet box as described in text.

 

 

General (705.8.10)

Trays are stacked on pallets so that many trays can be moved as a single unit.

Trays must be individually sleeved, strapped, and labeled. See 705.8.13.5 for exception to the strapping requirement.

Any combination of trays (1-foot, 2-foot, EMM) can be stacked on the same pallet, as long as the finished pallet is sturdy and meets all height and weight requirements.

Trays may not be combined with other containers (parcels, sacks) on the same pallet.

 

Dimensions (705.8.5)

Height:

  • Minimum volume: 36 linear feet of letter trays or 3 full levels of trays. See 705.8 for exception to the minimum height.
  • Maximum height, single pallet: 77" (pallet + mail + top cap) or 12 layers of MM trays (11 layers of EMM trays).
  • Maximum height, stacked pallets: 84" (pallets + mail + top caps).

Weight:

  • Minimum weight: none. Based on number of tray levels.
  • Maximum weight: 2,200 pounds.

 

Labels (705.8.6)

Pallets are labeled according to content and destination of the mail. See individual QSGs.

At least two clearly visible labels must be affixed to two adjacent sides of each pallet.

Use pink labels for Periodicals and white labels for Standard Mail and Package Services.

Labels must be at least 8" x 11"; lettering for required information must be at least 1/2" high.

 

Top Caps (705.8.2)

Top caps are not required except when pallets are stacked. If used, top caps must be stretchwrapped or banded onto the trays and pallet.

 

Stretchwrap (705.8.14.5)

Stretchwrap must be used to secure the trays to the pallet and must be securely wrapped around the pallet. Banding alone is not permitted.

 

Tips on Stacking Trays

Trays should be counter-stacked where possible to build the sturdiest pallet possible.

It is easy to build a very sturdy locking pallet of all 2-foot trays (see diagram below for recommended method).

All trays on a pallet should be stacked right-side-up with labels facing outward (where possible).

 

Stacking Pallets of Trays

Pallets of trays may be stacked to a maximum of four high or 84". Individual pallets must be stretchwrapped; the entire pallet stack must be securely banded (not stretchwrapped). There must be enough space between pallets to allow for a forklift.

 

Trays on a Pallet

This graphic shows how to stack trays on a pallet.

 

 

Building a Locking Skid

This graphic shows how to build a locking skid.

 

 

Back to Top


ARCHIVED QSG - JAN 08, 2006
ARCHIVED QSG - JAN 08, 2006